Pacific West Academy

What Pacific West Academy does

Pacific West Academy (PWA) is a private, accredited executive protection and security training institution founded in 2012 by Advanced Security Concepts, Inc. (ASC). It operates as the dedicated training arm of ASC, a private security services firm, and is headquartered in Van Nuys, California with a second campus in San Diego and a licensed operating presence in Tennessee. PWA delivers three tuition-based programs: the flagship 39-day Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) program at $21,900, the 27-day Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) advanced program at $11,147, and the 12-day Comprehensive Security Training (CST) entry-level program at $4,130. The CESS program can be financed through Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Sallie Mae private loans, or WIOA workforce funding (CST only), and graduates earn multiple California state certifications including Guard Card, Exposed Firearms Permit, Taser, and CPR/AED.

The core technology is a proprietary training doctrine adapted from Israeli military special operations, delivered by former Israeli Air Force Commando, Israeli Navy SEAL, US Marine Corps NCO, and other special forces instructors. The curriculum blends firearms training, combatives (the proprietary Krash Combatives program), tactical emergency casualty care (TECC), emergency vehicle operation, motorcade operations, and behavioral analysis. Facilities include classrooms, VR simulators, a live-fire 360 shoot house, and force-on-force training environments. The institution holds ACCET national accreditation, BPPE state approval, California BSIS permits, multiple VA approvals, and is an ASIS International Preferred CPE Provider (CESS = 348 CPE credits).

PWA's go-to-market is admissions-led: prospective students apply through online forms, phone, or email, with personalized consultations guiding enrollment. The school recruits through digital marketing (SEO, Google Ads, Meta), veteran transition channels, and partnerships with ASIS, Sallie Mae, and WIOA One-Stop Career Centers. The primary customer segments are military veterans transitioning to civilian security careers and civilians seeking entry into executive protection, with secondary segments of existing security professionals seeking advanced credentials and WIOA-eligible job seekers. PWA reports a 70%+ job placement rate, 1,000+ alumni, and an average graduate salary of $93,000, with industry hiring partners including ASC Protection, Crisis24, and Gavin de Becker & Associates.

Name

Pacific West Academy

Legal name

Advanced Security Concepts, Inc.

Website

https://pwa.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pacific West Academy is an ACCET-accredited, VA-approved executive protection and security training school in California offering a flagship 39-day CESS program and shorter entry-level courses to veterans and civilians pursuing careers in private security.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Executive Protection Training

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Executive Protection (Close Protection) Training & Certification (BPAKAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Executive Protection & Close Protection Training (EDAOAMAG), General Security Officer (Unarmed) Training & Certification (BPAKAOAA), Private Security, Guarding & Patrol Training (EDAOAMAF)

Keywords

• Executive protection training
• Bodyguard certification programs
• Close protection courses
• Security training academy
• VIP protection training

Headquarters

HQ city

Van Nuys

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - CESS Program: Comprehensive 39-day/348-hour executive protection training program. Tuition covers all materials, gear, professional fees, facilities access, and lodging assistance. One-time payment for the full program.
2. Tuition Fees - CPS Program: 27-day/232-hour advanced protection specialist training for individuals who already have basic security permits. $11,147 program cost.
3. Tuition Fees - CST Program: 12-day/104-hour foundational security training. WIOA approved program for job seekers entering the professional protective industry.
4. Sallie Mae Private Student Loans: Partner lender provides educational loans to eligible students. Students may borrow up to 100% of training cost with flexible repayment options including interest-only, fixed repayment, and deferred repayment.
5. GI Bill and VA Education Benefits: Veterans utilize Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to cover tuition. PWA is VA-approved with 9 months of benefits deduction for CESS program. Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) available during training period.
6. WIOA Funding: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding for eligible individuals for the Comprehensive Security Training (CST) program only. Participants use Individual Training Accounts (ITA) to enroll.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Pacific West Academy provides accredited executive protection and security training through three structured programs: the 39-day, 348-hour Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) flagship program priced at $21,900; the 27-day, 232-hour Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) program priced at $11,147 for existing security permit holders; and the 12-day, 104-hour Comprehensive Security Training (CST) entry-level course priced at $4,130. Programs are delivered at campuses in Van Nuys and San Diego using an Israeli Tactics doctrine taught by former Israeli Air Force Commando and Navy SEAL instructors, with all-inclusive tuition covering materials, gear, lodging assistance, and California Guard Card, Exposed Firearm Permit, Taser, and CPR/AED certifications. The institution is ACCET-accredited, VA-approved for GI Bill benefits, and an ASIS International Preferred CPE Provider whose CESS program counts as 348 recertification credits.

Product overview

Pacific West Academy is an executive protection and security training institution offering three distinct programs: the flagship Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) Program - a comprehensive 39-day/348-hour intensive for career preparation in executive protection; the Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) Course - a 27-day advanced program for professionals with existing security permits; and the Comprehensive Security Training (CST) Course - a 12-day foundational program for entry-level candidates. The programs progressively build from security fundamentals through advanced close protection tactics, with CESS serving as the primary pathway for veterans and civilians seeking high-level security careers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Executive Security Specialist (CESS) Program Pacific West Academy's flagship 39-day intensive executive protection training program providing comprehensive bodyguard training, close protection skills, and certifications for careers in high-end security. The 348-hour curriculum covers firearms, tactical medicine, motorcade operations, EVOC, combatives, and behavioral analysis, and awards the California Guard Card, Exposed Firearm Permit, Taser, and CPR/AED certifications plus 348 ASIS CPE credits. Tuition is $21,900 all-inclusive of materials, gear, ammunition, lodging assistance, and professional fees.
• Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) Course A rigorous 27-day executive protection specialist training course of 232 hours designed for elite professionals who already have basic security permits. The program covers protective intelligence, motorcade operations, advanced defensive tactics, and specialized protection techniques. Tuition is $11,147 all-inclusive and GI Bill approved.
• Comprehensive Security Training (CST) Course An intensive 12-day entry-level security training program of 104 hours providing foundational knowledge and certifications for launching a career in professional protective services. WIOA-approved program covering security fundamentals with all supplies, fingerprinting, and application fees included. Tuition is $4,130 and the program is available in San Diego and Van Nuys.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 70% job placement rate for graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• ASIS InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPacific West Academy has partnered with ASIS International as part of their Preferred CPE Provider program. The CESS program counts as 348 CPE credits toward ASIS recertification, acting as all credit necessary to re-certify under any ASIS certifications.
• ASC Protection (Advanced Security Concepts)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company and primary hiring partner. ASC founded PWA to deliver comprehensive close protection training. PWA is an ASC company. ASC is an international leader in Executive Protection, Specialized Training, and personal and estate security. Advanced Security Concepts, Inc. is the licensee issuing firearms training under TFF License: 1305.
• Crisis24coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustry hiring partner for PWA graduates. Crisis24 is a global security services firm that recruits graduates for executive protection and security roles.
• Gavin de Becker & AssociatescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremier executive protection firm and industry hiring partner. Recruits PWA graduates for high-end protective service roles.
• KnockOut LightsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTactical training exchange partnership for sharing ideas and training techniques. Collaboration with Mike (@KnockOutLights) for up-to-date tactical training methodologies.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• ICON Global: Provider of security and tactical training programs with overlap in protective services curriculum. Comparable as a niche training operator competing for a portion of PWA's student segment.
• Center for Security and Tactical Training (CSAT): Tactical and security training provider serving law enforcement, military, and civilian students. Comparable in offering tactical skills training relevant to the EP and protective services career path.

Broad incumbents

• Academi (formerly Blackwater): Established tactical and protective services training company with broader military, law enforcement, and security offerings. Comparable as a larger incumbent operating adjacent training programs for protective services careers.
• Crisis24: Global security services and executive protection firm that also recruits PWA graduates. Comparable as both a hiring partner and a broader operator in the EP and protective services market.
• G4S (now part of Allied Universal): Global security services and workforce solutions provider with executive protection and training offerings. Comparable as a broad incumbent overlapping PWA's end market for trained security personnel.
• Gavin de Becker & Associates: Premier U.S. executive protection firm and a named hiring partner for PWA graduates. Comparable as a high-end EP services provider whose training expectations shape the PWA curriculum.
• Universal Services of America / Allied Universal: Largest U.S. security services firm offering broad guard, protective, and training services across enterprise clients. Comparable as a major player in EP services and adjacent training, though not focused on PWA's vocational school model.

Direct peers

• Executive Security International (ESI): Specialized executive protection and bodyguard training school offering intensive in-person programs. Closely comparable to PWA in delivery model, target student, and EP-curriculum focus.
• R.L. Oatman & Associates (Bodyguard Training): Provider of executive protection and bodyguard training programs with established industry reputation. Directly competes for the same veteran and career-changer student segment as PWA.
• Executive Protection Institute (EPI): Long-standing executive protection training organization offering close protection and bodyguard certification programs. Directly comparable as a competing EP training provider targeting career entrants and security professionals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PWATraining
• Facebookfacebook.com/pacificwestacademy

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pacific West Academy